Electronic gaming machine and system with a game action reel strip controlling symbol evaluation and selection

ABSTRACT

A gaming device comprises a display operable to display prize value symbols and a game action symbol selected. A processor initiates a game action associated with the game action symbol selected. The game action corresponds to either a further selection of prize value symbols or the prize value symbols displayed. The processor also selects, when one further selection of prize value symbols is to be made, a prize value symbol, and provides an award amount based on the prize value symbols in a quantity of display positions selected.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to Australian Patent ApplicationNo. 2020902684, filed Jul. 30, 2020, and Australian Patent ApplicationNo. 2020233681, filed Sep. 16, 2020, both of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to a gaming device, a method ofoperating a gaming device and a gaming system where a game action symbolis selected from a game action reel strip.

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a varietyof wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjackgames, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types ofgames that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Playon EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance byinputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing amonetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of aninstance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, aplayer may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining acertain winning combination or triggering event in the base game.Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances,credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winningoutcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can beprovided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when theplayer wants to “cash out.”

“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form ofvarious symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specificmatching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines)through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The displaytypically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for readyidentification by the player. Matching combinations and theircorresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which isavailable to the player for reference. Often, the player may varyhis/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amountbet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alterthe frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number ofsecondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determinethe outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certainpercentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP=return toplayer) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTPand randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of thegames and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, theRNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selectedwhich correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include anelement of skill on the part of the player and are therefore notentirely random.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments of a gaming device, a method of operating agaming device and a gaming system, symbols are selected from prize valuesymbol reel strips and a game action symbol is selected from a gameaction reel strip which controls at least the next action that will becarried out. In an example, by controlling which of a plurality ofsub-routines, a processor will implement one or more available game playoptions. Examples of next actions include making a further selection ofsymbols or evaluating the selected prize value symbols, for example byselecting a subset of prize value symbols from which to make an award.

In an embodiment, there is disclosed a gaming device comprising adisplay, a processor, and a memory storing (a) symbol position datadefining a plurality of symbol positions; (b) reel data defining aplurality of reel strips comprising (i) a game action reel stripcomprising a plurality of game action symbols, and (ii) one or moreprize value symbol reel strips, each comprising prize value symbols at asubset of reel strip positions of the respective reel strip; and (c)computer executable instructions, including instructions for a pluralityof different sub-routines associated with respective ones of the gameaction symbols. When the instructions are executed by the processor,they cause the processor to select symbols from the plurality of reelstrips for the plurality of symbol positions including by selecting agame action symbol from the game action reel strip, control the displayto display at least each selected prize value symbol and the selectedgame action symbol at respective symbol positions, execute thesub-routine corresponding to the selected game action symbol, and makeany awards resulting from execution of the sub-routine. When a firstsub-routine of the plurality of sub-routines is executed, the processorrandomly selects a subset of the displayed prize value symbols or asubset of symbol positions and makes an award corresponding to prizevalues indicated by the selected subset of prize value symbols or symbolpositions.

Another embodiment discloses a method of operating a gaming devicecomprising a display, and a memory storing (a) symbol position datadefining a plurality of symbol positions; (b) reel data defining aplurality of reel strips comprising (i) a game action reel stripcomprising a plurality of game action symbols, and (ii) one or moreprize value symbol reel strips, each comprising prize value symbols at asubset of reel strip positions of the respective reel strip; and (c)computer executable instructions, including instructions for a pluralityof different sub-routines associated with respective ones of the gameaction symbols. The method comprises selecting symbols from theplurality of reel strips for the plurality of symbol positions includingby selecting a game action symbol from the game action reel strip,controlling the display to display at least each selected prize valuesymbol and the selected game action symbol at respective symbolpositions, executing the sub-routine corresponding to the selected gameaction symbol, and making any awards resulting from execution of thesub-routine. Executing a first sub-routine of the plurality ofsub-routines comprises randomly selecting a subset of the displayedprize value symbols or symbol positions and making an award comprisesmaking an award corresponding to prize values indicated by the selectedsubset of prize value symbols or symbol positions.

Another embodiment discloses a system comprising one or more processors;and at least one memory storing (a) symbol position data defining aplurality of symbol positions; (b) reel data defining a plurality ofreel strips comprising (i) a game action reel strip comprising aplurality of game action symbols, and (ii) one or more prize valuesymbol reel strips, each comprising prize value symbols at a subset ofreel strip positions of the respective reel strip; and (c) computerexecutable instructions, including instructions for a plurality ofdifferent sub-routines associated with respective ones of the gameaction symbols. When the instructions are executed by the one or moreprocessors, they cause the one or more processors to select symbols fromthe plurality of reel strips for the plurality of symbol positionsincluding by selecting a game action symbol from the game action reelstrip, control the display to display at least each selected prize valuesymbol and the selected game action symbol at respective symbolpositions, execute the sub-routine corresponding to the selected gameaction symbol, and make any awards resulting from execution of thesub-routine. When a first sub-routine of the plurality of sub-routinesis executed, the one or more processors randomly select a subset of thedisplayed prize value symbols or symbol positions and make an awardcorresponding to prize values indicated by the selected subset of prizevalue symbols or symbol positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked withvarious gaming related servers.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of anexemplary EGM.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate example reel strip layouts.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a symbol selection method.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of operating a gaming system.

FIGS. 6 to 15 are example screen displays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure represent a technical improvementin the art of electronic gaming machines, systems, and operation of suchelectronic gaming machines or systems. For example, some embodiments ofthe present disclosure include a gaming machine that presents in aninteractive user interface a reel matrix, where each position of thereel matrix comprises a separate reel strip that may be spun, and anoversized or special reel having a unique reel strip with a plurality oftrigger symbols determining features and payouts to be awarded in a gamethat may also be spun. With each position comprising a reel strip andrequiring a selection of prize or values, the number of randomcombinations generated and analyzed may grow quite large, particularlyin relation to conventional reel strips in a standard 3×5 matrix thatmay involve one or a few random numbers may be needed for symbolselection. One problem faced in the scenario of increasing the number ofrandom numbers generated (e.g., hundreds of random numbers generated) isan increase of game processing and display time if conventional methodsare employed to manage a large number of random numbers generated.

Moreover, since this game action feature is not a line/reel game,default win calculations cannot be used. On each spin, based on thesymbol spun up on the oversized or special reel, the game processoriterates through remaining symbols and makes the spin result based onthe winning symbols.

An improvement disclosed solves the problem of increased random numbersgenerated (e.g., hundreds of random numbers generated) from having amatrix with each matrix position comprising a reel strip, and theproblem of not being able to employ on standard line/reel weightingtables, for example. Improvements disclosed still maintain gameprocessing to present in the user interface the feature without any timelag (i.e., a relatively steady state of game time from pull to outcome),and still achieves a predetermined RTP and regulatory compliance.

As part of locating the oversized or special reel, a challenge is alsopresented to get unique locations on the reel matrix without having theprocessor select already discovered locations or positions, and stillmaintain a rapid response to the player in the display interface.Conventional default weight tables failed to work. As a result, animprovement disclosed solves this problem by deleting an entry of reelspot in the matrix that has already been encountered in the featuregame. In other words, instead of using default weight tables, dynamicweight tables, separate from the default weight tables, were employedthat modify the weight table dynamically during the selection sequenceto delete already encountered reel spots.

By way of a specific example, an enhanced technical capability may beaccomplished by driving a processor of the gaming machine to perform asequence of instructions from multiple discrete game action routinesstored in a memory, that randomly assign prize values to a plurality ofprize symbols based on a plurality of random numbers generated, inresponse to a random selection of a plurality of game action symbolsfrom a game action reel strip, that initiate one or more discrete gameactions associated with respective game action symbols. These discretegame action routines initiate making of at least one further selectionof a quantity of the plurality of symbol positions based on anotherplurality of random numbers generated, or generating an award amountfrom the quantity of the prize value symbols displayed in the quantityof the plurality of symbol positions.

Additionally, in some such embodiments, the oversized or special reel isgraphically presented and implemented to overcome challenges with fixedscreen sizes that are defined and confined by the physical game machinestructure. In embodiments contemplated by this disclosure, the gameaction symbols may, concurrently or subsequently, function to animatespecial effects on user interface in response to the game actioninitiated from a selected location in the interface (e.g., the center ofthe matrix). Such graphical effects on the user interface selectivelyand efficiently use the available fixed-size display screen of thegaming machine to position the oversized or special reel to enhancevisually communicated outcomes while not obscuring the other matrix reelpositions. Such an interface allows the player to view the visualeffects from the selected location in the interface to appreciate andunderstand award sizes, differences and gaming actions without beingoverly burdened by complicated visual movements of the reel strips ineach of the matrix positions and related mathematical calculations. Theenhanced graphical user interface, in turn, provides improved gamepresentation in fixed screen configuration to simplify a highly animatedmatrix, and still providing anticipation characteristics for the playerthat, in turn, can provide more varied game outcomes.

Such technical solutions are different from conventional games wheresymbol combinations on pay lines, left-to-right arrangements,right-to-left arrangements, or three/four/five of a kind, are used todetermine wins, feature games, or awards. Availability of multiple gameactions in response to an associated game action symbol provides refinedallocation of game machine hardware resources, improves modularity ofgames including one or more selections of multiple games under one gameumbrella, and increases the potential player interactions with enhancedavailability of game actions in a single game instance on the gamingmachine, while still achieving a predetermined game RTP and complyingwith jurisdiction regulations.

Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not merely new gamerules or simply new display patterns, but provide technologicimprovements to computer and graphical user interfaces in the art ofelectronic gaming machines for such electronic gaming machines. Theabove example is not intended to be limiting, but merely exemplary oftechnologic improvements provided by some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Technological improvements of other embodiments are readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may benetworked to various gaming related servers. The present invention canbe configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment includingone or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) thatare in communication, via a communications network, with one or moregaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines,etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/orremote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, atablet, a laptop, or a game console.

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect, such as over the Internet through a web site maintained by acomputer on a remote server or over an online data network includingcommercial online service providers, Internet service providers, privatenetworks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gamingdevice 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected tonetworks implemented with one or more of the different server computers102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals orremote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes anddisplay the results to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticketprinter 126.

In FIG. 1 , gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gamingdevice 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 withvarious symbols displayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spunand stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. In embodimentswhere the reels are mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implementgreater functionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming displayarea boundaries of the gaming display area 118 may be defined by one ormore mechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanicalshutters may be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly revealand conceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels130. For example, a top boundary of the gaming display area 118 may beraised by moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal anadditional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further,a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gamingdisplay area 118 and controlled to override or supplement what isdisplayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s).

In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD,plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, acathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled videomonitor.

In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a creditticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems arewell known in the art and are used to generate and track uniquebar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players toavoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticketreader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on thegaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be usedwhich is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, adifferent form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as amagnetic stripe card.

In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiverfor wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146,and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering,and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A.In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A cancommunicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send andreceive player tracking information.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonusplay is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome orset of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 isoperative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of thebase or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2 .

Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodimentsof the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes,information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player trackingsystems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single gamedisplay that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a videodisplay, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops andhave displays that face upwards.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in thegaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gamingdevice 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game playfunctions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be usedas a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features orattraction activities while a game is not in play, or any otherinformation or media desired by the game designer or operator. In someembodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used todisplay progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play ofgaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a maindoor 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gamingdevice 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by servicepersonnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills andtickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also beaccessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, andfor general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscapedisplay 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, oralternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is aflat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary gameplay while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play,to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not inplay or any other information or media desired by the game designer oroperator.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems.All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used toimplement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG.1 . The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlledby a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204 and agame that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in a memory208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include one or moremass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device 200.Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one or more databases210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A random numbergenerator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/or softwareis typically used to generate random numbers that are used in theoperation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random andmeet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, the randomnumber generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may begenerated on a remote gaming device such as a central determinationgaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1 ). The gameinstance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 andthen displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute gamesoftware, such as but not limited to video streaming software thatallows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game isstored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g.,from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gamingsystem server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM oranother form of storage media that stores instructions for execution bythe processor 204.

The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another formof a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sitsabove main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 mayalso house a number of other components which may be used to addfeatures to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other mediaor mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, aticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media ormechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and aplayer tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 mayinclude a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display),a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information toand from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling playertracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITOsystem server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a billvalidator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary gamedisplay 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to andoperable under the control of game controller 202.

Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player trackingsystem server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, forexample, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amountwagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative orqualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator mayreward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the playertracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activatefree play, and/or request various information. Player tracking orloyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highlyregulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typicallydispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfysecurity and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardwareand software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X,200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers.Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 isnot simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirementsfor gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements,and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardwarecomponents and software.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insertcash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wagerand increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewsthe game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prizeinformation may also be displayed.

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typicallyby pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticketprinter 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted intoanother machine to establish a credit balance for play.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 500 of operating agaming device. At step 510, the processor 204 receive a wager, forexample, in response to the player operating one of the input mechanismsdescribed above.

The processor 204 selects 520 symbols for display 530 at a set ofdisplay positions, in this example (as illustrated in FIG. 6 ),twenty-five symbol positions arranged in a matrix comprising fivecolumns 611-615 and five rows 621-625, wherein a central symbol position631, a predetermined symbol position, or a randomly determined symbolposition, at least initially, corresponds to a game action reel stripand the other twenty-four symbol positions correspond to prize valuereel strips. An example of selecting symbols is illustrated in relationto FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 . In some embodiments, the central symbol position631, the predetermined symbol position, or the randomly determinedsymbol position may be graphically larger relative to the remainder ofsymbol positions.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a prize value reel strip. In theexample, the illustrated prize value reel strip 341 has thirty reelstrip positions 301-330. In this example, each reel strip position ofeach reel is occupied by either prize value symbol also known as a “Cashon Reel” (“COR”) symbol (shown as fire ball symbols in FIG. 6 ) or“Blank” symbols. For example, a “COR” symbol 351 occupies the twelfthreel strip position 312 and a blank symbol 351 occupies the eleventhreel strip position. In the example of FIG. 6 , if a “Blank” symbol isselected, no symbol is displayed at the symbol position such that abackground in the form of a diamond symbol is visible (that is the blanksymbol is effectively transparent). In other examples, the Blank symbolcould be visible, for example, it could be a greyed-out fireball symbolwith no prize value.

The other prize value symbol reel strips (not shown) vary in terms ofnumber and distribution of COR symbols. In some examples, the lengths ofthe prize value reel strips also vary. It will be appreciated that thesefactors control the relative probability of a COR symbol being selected.

In some examples, the values of the cash on reel symbols are fixed. Inother example, the values are assigned dynamically in each gameinstance. In an example, the processor 204 assigns prizes to each of theprize value symbols of each of the prize value reel strips prior toselecting symbols from the prize value reel strips. In this example,this enables the prizes to be seen during at least part of the virtualspinning of the reel strips. In an example, a prize value data structurein memory 208 stores a plurality of weighted tables each comprising aplurality of assignable prizes—i.e. prizes that can be assigned toindividual COR symbols. In an example, there are separate weightedtables for each of reel strips. In an example, each weighted tableincorporates a plurality of prizes and different weightings are assignedto each prize value in order to control their relative probability ofbeing selected. In some embodiments, a large number of random numbersare generated. A portion of the large number of random numbers are usedto select reel stops for the COR symbols and the game action symbol,while remainder of the large number of random numbers is used to assignprizes, prize values, or the cash on reel values to the COR symbols.

In an example, the values of the assignable prizes depend on an amountwagered, for example they correspond to a base amount multiplied by betmultiplier. In an example, the assignable prizes may be credit amounts(e.g. 500, 1000, or 10,000 credits) or otherwise defined prizes such asa bonus or jackpot prizes that have fixed or progressive prize values.In other examples, the prizes may be dollar amounts, e.g. $5, $10, $20,$25.

The instructions in memory 208 cause processor 204 to conduct aniterative loop in which the processor 204 randomly selects one of theprizes using a value obtained from random number generator and assignsit to the next COR symbol in reel strip order until all COR symbols of areel strip have been assigned a prize. Processor 204 then iterates tothe next reel strip and conducts another iterative loop using theweighted table associated with the strip until all reel strips areconfigured.

In an alternative example, prizes are randomly selected by the processor204 from a table of prizes without replacement to enable control of thenumber of instances of one or more prizes.

FIG. 3B is an example of a game action reel strip 342 where the symbolsare represented by phrases corresponding to their associated gameactions.

The symbols on the game action reel strip 342 are termed game actionsymbols as they result in the processor 204 taking one of a plurality ofavailable game play actions by executing a relevant sub-routine ofinstructions stored in memory 308. In one example, the game play actionsare: no win, random prize selection, award all prizes, hold and spin,and free games as explained in further detail below.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 carried out by the processor 204to select symbols from the prize value reel strips. At step 410, theprocessor 204 starts the process of selecting symbols with a counter (n)set at zero as symbols have not yet been selected from any reel strips.At step 420, the processor 204 increments the counter. In the firstiteration, the counter is set to 1 to reflect that symbols are to beselected from a first reel strip. At step 430, the processor obtains arandomly generated number from a true or pseudo random number generator212. At step 440 the processor maps the generated number to one of thedisplay positions in the first to fifth columns (excluding the centralposition to which the game action symbol will be mapped.) To map thegenerated number to one of the reel positions, the possible values thatcan be returned from the RNG 212 are divided into ranges and associatedwith specific ones of the reel positions in memory 208. In one example,assignment of positions to ranges change as symbol positions areselected so as to prevent reselection of a symbol position that hasalready been selected.

At step 450, the processor obtains a further randomly generated numberfrom a true or pseudo random number generator 212. At step 455, theprocessor maps the generated number to reel positions of the nth reelstrip. In the first iteration, this is the first reel strip. To map thegenerated number to one of the reel positions, the possible values thatcan be returned from the RNG 212 are divided into ranges and associatedwith specific ones of the reel positions in memory 208. In one example,these ranges are stored as a look-up table. In one example, the rangesare each the same size so that each of the reel strip positions has thesame chance of been selected. In other examples, the ranges may bearranged to weight the relative chances of selecting specific reel strippositions. The reel strips may be of different lengths.

At step 455, the processor 204 maps the symbol at the selected reelposition to the display position.

At step 460, the processor 460 determines whether symbols have beenselected for all of the symbol positions, and if not the processor 204reverts to step 420 and iterates through steps 430, 440 and 450 until itis determined at step 460 that symbols have been selected for all nsymbol positions which the prize value symbol selection process ends470.

In order to select the game action symbol, the processor 204 obtains arandomly generated number from a true or pseudo random number generator212. The processor maps the generated number to one of the reelpositions of the action reel strip.

After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to a symbolposition, at step 530 the processor 204 controls display 240 to displaythem at the symbol positions with the action symbol displayed after thesymbols selected for the other symbol positions have been displayed.

At step 540, the processor initiates execution of the sub-routinecorresponding to the selected game action symbol. As illustrated in FIG.5 , in this example the sub-routines fall broadly into two categories: afirst category where the action symbol affects the evaluation of thealready displayed symbols, and a second category where the action symbolresults in a further selection of symbols. Accordingly, at step 550 theprocessor 204 determines whether the sub-routine involves further symbolselection and if not proceed to step 580 and evaluates the displayedsymbols based on the selected sub-routine before the process ends atstep 590.

If at step 550, the processor 204 determines that the sub-routineinvolves further symbol selection, the processor 204 proceeds to step560 and selects at least one further set of symbols in accordance withthe selected sub-routine. As exemplified below, in some embodiments, theprocessor 204 selects more than one further set of symbols.

At step 570, the processor 204 evaluates the selected symbols. Dependingon the sub-routine, the evaluation may be performed after each symbolselection or once an evaluation condition is met (e.g. there are no moreselections to be conducted). After the conclusion of step 570, theprocess ends 590.

FIGS. 6 to 15 illustrate examples of sub-routines. FIG. 6 shows anexample screen display 600 of an example of a no-win sub-routine wherethe symbol selected for central display position 631 from the gameaction reel strip by processor 204 corresponds to no-win being awarded.In this example, the game action symbol for no-win is also a blanksymbol on the prize value reel strips, so that a greyed-out diamondbackground is visible. In this example, the sub-routine is for theprocessor 204 to proceed to step 590 without making an award. Thus,despite seventeen prize value symbols being displayed (i.e., the fireball symbols with values on them), no prize is awarded by the processor204.

FIG. 7 shows an example screen display 700 of an example of a random winsub-routine where the symbol selected for central display position 731,or any predetermined display position, from the game action reel stripby processor 204 corresponds to a random subset of the displayed prizevalue symbols being awarded. In this example, the game action symbol fora random prize selection is an animated lightning storm symbol 731. Inthis example, when executing the random prize selection sub-routine theprocessor 204 first selects a number of prizes to award, for example, 2,3 or 4 prizes by obtaining a random number from random number generator212 and mapping the random number to one of 2, 3, or 4 prizes. In otherexamples, the number of prizes to award may be fixed. The processor 204then performs the selected number of selections from among the displayedprize symbols. In one example, processor 204 generates a list of symbolpositions having unselected prize value symbols, obtains a random numberfrom random number generator 212, and maps the random number to one ofthe symbol positions in the list. The processor 204 then removes theselected symbol position from the list before performing anotherselection. Processor 204 repeats the symbol selection process until allsymbol positions have been selected. Processor 204 then controls thedisplay 240 to display an animation of lightning strikes hitting thesymbol positions to indicate which prizes are to be awarded and updatesa win meter in memory to reflect the total prize value of the selectedprize value symbols. In this regard, generating random display positioncoordinates to animate the lightning strikes overcomes a number oftechnical challenges, for example, without striking the same symbolrepeatedly, and enhances speeds at which display positions arediscovered or struck as follows. In some embodiments, one or more gameside weight tables may be modified dynamically. In other embodiments,entries in the one or more weight tables may be removed such thataccessing remaining entries in the one or more weight tables may be spedup. In another example (not shown), when executing the random prizeselection, the processor 204 selects symbol positions, instead ofdisplayed prize value symbols, regardless of whether the displaypositions displays a prize value symbol or not. It is therefore possiblefor the processor 204 to select one or more blank positions, each ofwhich contributes a zero prize value to the win meter. Thus, in thisregard, unlike any conventional gaming mechanics where pay lines and/orpay tables are used to determine winnings and awards, the game actionsymbol determines whether feature games, such as hold and spin, aretriggered, a win occurs, or an award is awarded. For example, on eachspin, based on the game action symbol spun up in a predetermined displayposition or symbol position, the game may iterate through remainder ofthe plurality of display positions or symbol positions, and determine aspin result or an award amount, based on symbols selected via the gameaction symbol. Thus, in some embodiments, line wins, way wins, left toright, right to left, multiple of a kind, or any other graphicalrepresentation constituting a winning combination are all absent fromthe gaming mechanics, and a win may only be achieved when a unique gameaction symbol lands in the predetermined symbol position or reel, andwhen unique game action symbol randomly shoots on to, or activates oneor more awards of other reels or symbol positions that have landedprizes.

In FIG. 7 there are also shown possible free game awards 641-643 toindicate to the player that they could be awarded 20 free games whereall wins are multiplied by four 641, ten free games where all wins aremultiplied by three 642, or five free games where all wins aremultiplied by two 643.

FIG. 8 shows an example screen display 800 where the selected gameaction symbol 831 corresponds to a sub-routine where processor 204awards all the prizes shown on the prize value symbols. In this example,the game action symbol is also an animated lighting storm symbol withthe animation controlled to appear more active than the animated symbolwhen a subset of prizes are awarded to indicate that all of thedisplayed prizes are to be awarded. In this example, there are prizevalue symbols at all but one 844 of the symbol positions and theirvalues are added by processor 204 to the win meter. As shown in FIG. 8 ,possible free game awards 641-643 indicate to the player that 20 freegames where all wins are multiplied by four 641, thirteen free gameswhere all wins are multiplied by three 642, or seven free games whereall wins are multiplied by two 643 could be awarded.

FIG. 9 shows an example screen display 900 where the selected gameaction symbol is a fireball symbol 931 that corresponds to a sub-routinewhere processor 204 initiates a hold and spin feature. It will beobserved from the greyed out free game indicators 641A, 642A and theupdated free game counter 643A that the hold and spin feature has beenawarded within a free game feature with five free games remaining. Insome embodiments, there may be multiple sets of features that can betriggered by the game. However, some or all of the multiple sets offeatures differentiated by multiple variables, including number of gamesand multiplier values, are randomly selected or awarded, or notselectable by a player.

FIG. 10 is an example transition screen display (e.g., transitioningfrom the example screen display 900 of FIG. 9 ) with a message 1010indicating the award of the hold and spin feature. The free gamesindicators 641-643 have been replaced by information relating to thehold and spin feature including: a message 1041 indicating thatcollecting 25 prize value symbols wins a Grand Jackpot Prize; a spincounter 1042 indicating that the player currently has three spins in thehold and spin feature, and a prize value symbol counter 1043 indicatingthat the player has currently collected 13 prize value symbols.

FIG. 11 is an example screen display 1100 during the hold and spinfeature. From FIG. 11 , it will be apparent that the central symbolposition 1131 has changed to be the same as all of the other symbolpositions. During the hold a spin feature, symbols are selected solelyfrom the prize value reel strips for symbol positions at which a prizevalue symbol (e.g., from the prize value reel strip 341 of FIG. 3A) isnot already displayed including the central symbol positions 1131—i.e.symbol positions where a prize value symbol has not been held from aprevious game round. That is, the game action reel strip is not usedduring the hold and spin feature and symbols are selected in accordancewith the process described in relation to FIGS. 3A and 4 above. As shownby updated symbol collection counter 1043A, each time a prize valuesymbol is selected for a symbol position, the counter 1043A is updatedto reflect each additional collected symbol, such that in FIG. 11 , thenumber of collected symbols is sixteen. These sixteen symbols are heldin place and symbols will only be selected for the remaining nine symboldisplay positions. In this example, each time a prize value symbol isselected, the spin counter 1042 is reset to three spins. The hold andspin feature continues until all spins have been completed or prizevalue symbols fill all symbol positions and the Grand Jackpot isawarded.

It will thus be appreciated that the hold and spin feature involves atleast one additional selection of symbols (i.e. the case where allsymbol positions are filled in a first hold and spin game instance).

FIG. 12 is an example screen display 1200 of a game instance where afree games action symbol 1231 has been selected by processor 204 fromgame actions symbol reel strip.

FIG. 13 is an example first transitional screen display 1300 of a freegames feature where a player is presented with a selection screen andthey operate an input device in order to select one of the symbols.

FIG. 14 is an example second transitional screen display 1400 of a freegames feature where a player is presented with the result of theselections, here a message 1410 that five free games are awarded. Inthis respect, it will be noted that the upper two possible free gameaward 641A, 641B have been greyed-out to reflect the award. In eachawarded free game a further set of symbols is selected by processor 204using the process outlined in respect of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 above. Inthe example, the same game action symbol reel strip used during the freegames is the same as in the initial game instance such that gameoutcomes generated during the free game series will be similar to thoseshown in FIGS. 6 to 9 and 12 . In other examples, the game action symbolreels strip can be different, for example, to remove the possibility ofa further series of free games being awarded.

It will be appreciated that a different game action symbols can be usedon different game action symbol reels strips. FIG. 15 is an examplescreen display 1500 showing a further example of a selection of analternative game action symbol in the form of a free game incrementsymbol 1511. In this example, there are specific free game incrementsymbols corresponding to each of the possible free game awards 641-642.In the example screen display the awards have been incremented byprocessor 204 responsive to selection of increment symbols such thatthere is now an available award of 12 free games with all winsmultiplied by three 642B and an available award of seven games with allwins multiplied by two 643B.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In an example embodiment, there is provided a gaming device comprising:a display; a processor; and a memory storing (a) symbol position datadefining a plurality of symbol positions; (b) reel data defining aplurality of reel strips comprising (i) a game action reel stripcomprising a plurality of game action symbols, and (ii) one or moreprize value symbol reel strips, each comprising prize value symbols at asubset of reel strip positions of the respective reel strip; and (c)computer executable instructions, including instructions for a pluralityof different sub-routines associated with respective ones of the gameaction symbols, wherein when the instructions are executed by theprocessor, they cause the processor to: select symbols from theplurality of reel strips for the plurality of symbol positions includingby selecting a game action symbol from the game action reel strip;control the display to display at least each selected prize value symboland the selected game action symbol at respective symbol positions; andexecute the sub-routine corresponding to the selected game actionsymbol, wherein when at least a first sub-routine of the plurality ofsub-routines is executed, the processor makes an award corresponding toat least some of the prize values indicated by the displayed prize valuesymbols, and wherein when at least a second sub-routine of the pluralityof sub-routines is executed, the processor makes at least one furtherselection of symbols from the plurality of reel strips for the pluralityof symbol positions and evaluates the selected symbols of the at leastone further selection to determine whether to make an award.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a method of operating agaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) symbolposition data defining a plurality of symbol positions; (b) reel datadefining a plurality of reel strips comprising (i) a game action reelstrip comprising a plurality of game action symbols, and (ii) one ormore prize value symbol reel strips, each comprising prize value symbolsat a subset of reel strip positions of the respective reel strip; and(c) computer executable instructions, including instructions for aplurality of different sub-routines associated with respective ones ofthe game action symbols. The method comprises: selecting symbols fromthe plurality of reel strips for the plurality of symbol positionsincluding by selecting a game action symbol from the game action reelstrip; controlling the display to display at least each selected prizevalue symbol and the selected game action symbol at respective symbolpositions; and executing the sub-routine corresponding to the selectedgame action symbol, wherein when at least a first sub-routine of theplurality of sub-routines is executed, the processor makes an awardcorresponding to at least some of the prize values indicated by thedisplayed prize value symbols, and wherein when at least a secondsub-routine of the plurality of sub-routines is executed, the processormakes at least one further selection of symbols from the plurality ofreel strips for the plurality of symbol positions and evaluates theselected symbols of the at least one further selection to determinewhether to make an award.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a system comprising:one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (a) symbolposition data defining a plurality of symbol positions; (b) reel datadefining a plurality of reel strips comprising (i) a game action reelstrip comprising a plurality of game action symbols, and (ii) one ormore prize value symbol reel strips, each comprising prize value symbolsat a subset of reel strip positions of the respective reel strip; and(c) computer executable instructions, including instructions for aplurality of different sub-routines associated with respective ones ofthe game action symbols, wherein when the instructions are executed bythe one or more processors, they cause the one or more processors to:select symbols from the plurality of reel strips for the plurality ofsymbol positions including by selecting a game action symbol from thegame action reel strip; control the display to display at least eachselected prize value symbol and the selected game action symbol atrespective symbol positions; and execute the sub-routine correspondingto the selected game action symbol, wherein when at least a firstsub-routine of the plurality of sub-routines is executed, the one ormore processors make an award corresponding to at least some of theprize values indicated by the displayed prize value symbols, and whereinwhen at least a second sub-routine of the plurality of sub-routines isexecuted, the one or more processors make at least one further selectionof symbols from the plurality of reel strips for the plurality of symbolpositions and evaluate the selected symbols of the at least one furtherselection to determine whether to make an award.

While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, itwill be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Any variation and derivation from the above description andfigures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined bythe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating an electronic gamingmachine comprising a display device, and a game controller comprising aprocessor and a memory storing (a) a plurality of reel strips comprisinga set of symbols, (b) a game action reel strip comprising a plurality ofgame action symbols associated with a plurality of game actions, and (c)computer executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor toinitiate a game, the method comprising: displaying a first game actionsymbol randomly selected from the game action reel strip at a first of aplurality of symbol positions based on a plurality of random numbersgenerated by a random number generator, and independently a plurality ofsymbols randomly selected from the plurality of reel strips at aremainder of the plurality of symbol positions, respectively, and eachof the plurality of symbols being randomly associated with one of aplurality of prizes, based on one or more plurality of random numbersgenerated by the random number generator; animating a first game actionassociated with the first game action symbol displayed; activatingselectively a subset of display positions displaying one or more of theplurality of prizes selected from the remainder of the plurality ofsymbol positions; displaying, in response to the first game action beinginitiated, a quantity of display positions from the remainder of theplurality of symbol positions being activated; displaying an awardamount determined based on prizes displayed at the quantity of displaypositions activated; and animating the first game action associated withthe first game action symbol that awards all symbols displayed in thequantity of display positions to appear differently than a second gameaction associated with a second game action symbol that awards less thanall of the plurality of symbols displayed in the quantity of displaypositions.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when adifferent second game action symbol of the plurality of game actionsymbols is displayed at the first of the plurality of symbol positions,evaluating a different quantity of display positions for a second awardamount.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining theaward amount from the prizes displayed in all of the symbols displayedin the quantity of display positions.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinanimating the first game action further comprises animating lightningstrikes between the first game action symbol and one or more of theplurality of prizes to determine the award amount.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reel strips further includesat least one blank position.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising retaining a subset of symbols displayed and selecting one ormore additional symbols from the reel strips for the plurality of symbolpositions at which displayed symbols are not retained.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising randomly selecting the quantity of displaypositions from the remainder of the plurality of symbol positions whenthe first game action symbol of the plurality of game action symbols isdisplayed.
 8. An electronic gaming machine comprising: a display device;and a game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing (a) aplurality of prize value symbol reel strips comprising a plurality ofprize value symbols, wherein the plurality of prize value symbols areconfigured to display a plurality of prize values, respectively, (b) agame action reel strip comprising a plurality of game action symbolsassociated with a plurality of game actions; and (c) instructions,which, when executed, cause the processor to at least: display, by thedisplay device, a plurality of symbol positions, at least one of theplurality of symbol positions operable to display one of the pluralityof game action symbols selected from the game action reel strip, andeach of a remainder of the plurality of symbol positions operable todisplay one of the plurality of prize value symbols from one of theplurality of prize value symbol reel strips, determine, for each of theplurality of prize value symbol reel strips, one of the plurality ofprize values for each prize value symbol based on a plurality of randomnumbers generated by a random number generator, select a subset of theplurality of prize value symbols from the plurality of prize valuesymbol reel strips, and a first game action symbol from the game actionreel strip, based on one or more random numbers generated by the randomnumber generator, display, by the display device, the subset of theplurality of prize value symbols and the first game action symbol atrespective symbol positions of the plurality of symbol positions, inresponse to the first game action symbol of the plurality of game actionsymbols being displayed, select a quantity of display positions from theremainder of the plurality of symbol positions, determine an awardamount based on prize values displayed at each of the quantity ofdisplay positions selected, in response to a second game action symbolof the plurality of game action symbols displayed, evaluate a differentplurality of symbols selected for an outcome, generate a differentoutcome corresponding to the outcome of awarding the prize valuesdisplayed in all of the prize value symbols displayed in response to thesecond game action symbol, and animate the second game action symbol tobe more active than another game action symbol associated with theoutcome of awarding of less than all of the plurality of prize valuesymbols displayed.
 9. The electronic gaming machine of claim 8, whereineach of the plurality of prize value symbol reel strips further includesat least one blank position.
 10. The electronic gaming machine of claim8, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor toretain a subset of prize value symbols displayed and to select one ormore additional symbols from the prize value symbol reel strips for theplurality of symbol positions at which displayed symbols are notretained.
 11. The electronic gaming machine of claim 8, wherein theinstructions, when executed, cause the processor to randomly select thequantity of display positions from the remainder of the plurality ofsymbol positions when the first game action symbol of the plurality ofgame action symbols is displayed.
 12. The electronic gaming machine ofclaim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor toanimate on the display device the second game action symbol associatedwith a second game action striking one or more of the plurality of prizevalue symbols that forms the outcome.
 13. The electronic gaming machineof claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processorto update a win meter in the memory to reflect a total prize value ofprize value symbols displayed.
 14. The electronic gaming machine ofclaim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor toincrement a counter for all of the prize value symbols displayed.
 15. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a plurality ofinstructions, for conducting a game on gaming system including a displaydevice, the instructions, which, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of: controlling the display device todisplay a plurality of symbol positions, at least one of the pluralityof symbol positions operable to display one of a plurality of gameaction symbols selected from a game action reel strip, and each of aremainder of the plurality of symbol positions operable to display oneof a plurality of prize value symbols from one of a plurality of prizevalue symbol reel strips; determining, for each of the plurality ofprize value symbol reel strips, one of a plurality of prize values foreach prize value symbol based on a plurality of random numbers generatedby a random number generator; selecting a subset of the plurality ofprize value symbols from the plurality of prize value symbol reelstrips, and a first game action symbol from the game action reel strip,based on one or more random numbers generated by the random numbergenerator; controlling the display device to display the subset of theplurality of prize value symbols and the first game action symbol atrespective symbol positions of the plurality of symbol positions; inresponse to the first game action symbol of the plurality of game actionsymbols being displayed, selecting a quantity of display positions fromthe remainder of the plurality of symbol positions; determining an awardamount based on prize values displayed at each of the quantity ofdisplay positions selected; in response to a second game action symbolof the plurality of game action symbols displayed, evaluating adifferent plurality of symbols selected for an outcome; generating adifferent outcome corresponding to the outcome of awarding the prizevalues displayed in all of the prize value symbols displayed in responseto the second game action symbol; and controlling the display device toanimate the second game action symbol to be more active than anothergame action symbol associated with the outcome of awarding of less thanall of the plurality of prize value symbols displayed.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, and wherein each ofthe plurality of prize value symbol reel strips further includes atleast one blank position.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 15, and wherein the instructions, when executed, furthercause the gaming system to perform the steps of retaining a subset ofprize value symbols displayed and selecting one or more additionalsymbols from the prize value symbol reel strips for the plurality ofsymbol positions at which displayed symbols are not retained.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, and wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the gaming system to performthe step of randomly selecting the quantity of display positions fromthe remainder of the plurality of symbol positions when the first gameaction symbol of the plurality of game action symbols is displayed. 19.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, and wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the gaming system to performthe step of controlling the display device to animate on the displaydevice the second game action symbol associated with a second gameaction striking one or more of the plurality of prize value symbols thatforms the outcome.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 15, and wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause thegaming system to perform the step of updating a win meter in thenon-transitory computer-readable medium to reflect a total prize valueof prize value symbols displayed.